Welcome to ID Tech’s digest of identity industry news. Here’s what you need to know about the world of digital identity and biometrics today:
Major Australian Retail Chain Found in Breach of Privacy Laws Over Facial Recognition Use
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has found that Bunnings Group Limited violated Australian privacy laws by using facial recognition technology in 63 stores in Victoria and New South Wales between 2018 and 2021. The retailer collected biometric information from hundreds of thousands of customers through CCTV systems without adequate consent or notification. The OAIC identified transparency failures in Bunnings’ privacy policies and deemed the use of facial recognition disproportionate to its stated security goals. In response to the ruling, Bunnings has suspended its use of the technology and must destroy all collected biometric data within one year. The Biometrics Institute has weighed in, suggesting that the Bunnings case shows the need for a balanced approach to the implementation of security technologies that respects data privacy.
Vision-Box Launches Biometric Border Control System at Sint Maarten Airport
Vision-Box has implemented its Seamless Border Program at Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten, coinciding with the opening of the airport’s new arrivals area on November 14, 2024. The system integrates biometric technology to verify passenger identities and streamline traveler flow through real-time orchestration, reducing processing times while maintaining security standards. The program uses facial recognition for accurate identity confirmation, reflecting global trends in aviation security and automated border control.
Sydney Pubs Deploy Facial Recognition to Block Self-Excluded Gamblers
Sydney pubs are piloting facial recognition technology to prevent self-excluded gamblers from entering gaming areas. Developed by Corsight AI in partnership with AusComply, the system captures images of patrons and compares them against a database of self-excluded individuals. If a match is detected, venue staff are alerted to intervene. This initiative aims to strengthen existing self-exclusion programs and aligns with Australian efforts to address problem gambling through technology while complying with privacy laws. The program is being monitored for compliance with industry standards and regulations.
UNDP Partners with cBrain to Drive Digital Transformation Across Africa
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with Danish software company cBrain to advance digital transformation initiatives in Africa, focusing on digital public infrastructure, financial inclusion, and climate resilience. The collaboration will establish a process library at the UNDP Resilience Hub in Nairobi to develop and scale governmental best practices. The initiative supports the integration of digital ID systems to strengthen public infrastructure and expand financial services access for underserved populations. It also aims to incorporate digital tools into climate resilience and disaster risk reduction efforts. Capacity-building programs will equip government officials and civil society organizations with digital skills, starting with Kenya, where advancements in identity verification are already reaching millions.
Maryland MVA Launches Business App for Mobile Driver’s License Verification
The Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) has launched the Mobile ID Check by MD app to enable businesses to verify mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) and ID cards for in-person age verification. The free app, compliant with ISO18013-5 standards, ensures businesses only access essential information, such as age and ID photo, enhancing privacy and security. Initial implementation includes partnerships with organizations like BWI Marshall Airport, where establishments such as Flying Dog Tap House and Obrycki’s use the app for age verification. The MVA plans to expand mDL acceptance through collaborations with entities like the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence and technology providers including Microsoft and the Department of Homeland Security.
IDEMIA Celebrates Another Round of Strong NIST Performances
IDEMIA Public Security achieved top rankings in multiple National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) biometric algorithm performance evaluations. In the Proprietary Fingerprint Template (PFT) test, the company ranked first across all datasets for 1:1 fingerprint comparisons, reinforcing its capabilities in law enforcement and border control applications. IDEMIA also led the NIST Facial Recognition Technology Evaluation (FRTE) for fairness, highlighting its algorithm’s accuracy across diverse demographic groups. The company secured first place in the NIST Age Evaluation Verification (AEV) test, demonstrating proficiency in age estimation technology for fraud prevention and access control. IDEMIA’s iris recognition technology achieved top performance in the NIST Iris Exchange (IREX 10) benchmark, complementing its strong track record in evaluations such as the NIST Minutiae Interoperability Exchange (MINEX III) and the Evaluation of Latent Fingerprint Technologies (ELFT).
Invixium’s IXM WEB 3.0 Attains LenelS2 OnGuard Certification for Biometric Access Control
Invixium’s IXM WEB 3.0 software platform has received factory certification for compatibility with LenelS2’s OnGuard access control system versions 8.2 and 8.3 through the LenelS2 OpenAccess Alliance Program (OAAP). This certification enables integration of biometric authentication, including fingerprint and face recognition, with OnGuard’s access control workflows. The OAAP initiative ensures third-party interfaces meet stringent testing requirements for compatibility and reliability, supporting the growing standardization of identity technologies. The IXM WEB platform provides centralized data management with configurable workflows and dashboards.
Collabria Financial Partners with Trulioo on Digital Identity Verification for Credit Unions
Collabria Financial Services, a Canadian credit card issuer for credit unions, has partnered with Trulioo to implement digital identity verification technology. The integration automates Know Your Business (KYB) reviews while maintaining Know Your Client (KYC) protocols, enhancing security and streamlining cardholder onboarding. Trulioo’s identity verification platform, which operates across 195 countries, provides predictive risk signals and compliance checks against global watchlists to meet regulatory standards and combat fraud. Collabria, serving over 550,000 cardholders through credit unions, views the integration as aligning with its focus on secure financial solutions.
Sumsub Finds AI-driven ‘Democratization of Fraud’ in New Report
Sumsub’s 2024 Identity Fraud Report outlines evolving threats and defenses in the identity fraud landscape, emphasizing the rise of fraud-as-a-service platforms and AI tools. The report highlights a surge in deepfake usage, now comprising 7 percent of all fraud attempts, with incidents increasing by 400 percent in regions like the Middle East and Africa. Fraudsters exploit AI for phishing, synthetic identities, and bypassing verification systems, while businesses counter with AI-driven liveness checks, behavioral analytics, and dynamic risk scoring. Economic accessibility of fraud enables significant financial damage, with fraud kits and stolen identity packs costing as little as $1,000 but enabling losses up to $2.5 million monthly. Developing regions and rapidly digitalizing markets such as Singapore and Indonesia face heightened risks. Sectors like dating platforms and online media see the highest fraud rates, while banking demonstrates resilience through advanced verification. The report urges businesses to adopt integrated fraud prevention strategies and prepare for increasing regulatory pressures.
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November 19, 2024 – by Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala
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